With the Dodgers shortstop and leadoff batter hitting .200 on May 19, Manager Don Mattingly removed Gordon from the starting lineup for a couple of games to give him a breather.

Since returning May 22, Gordon has batted .290 and lifted his overall average to .229 for the season. He was dropped to eighth in the batting order when he first returned, but now is back in his leadoff role.

"He's just had calmer at-bats," Mattingly said.

"I think he's more confident."

Noting Gordon's speed, Mattingly said that "we're a better team if he can lead off, no doubt about it. So right now I'm good with it."

In Saturday's game, Gordon legged out an infield grounder for a single in his first at-bat, singled in the ninth inning and scored both times.

Tolleson's arrival

Now that he's had his first taste of the major leagues, Shawn Tolleson wants another — and soon.

The 24-year-old pitcher struggled in his big league debut a week ago, walking the two Phillies he faced in Philadelphia, and he's ready to try again.

"I had some nerves going," Tolleson acknowledged. "I'm anxious to get back out there."

The right-hander, the Dodgers' reigning minor league pitcher of the year, was called up to replace reliever Javy Guerra, who's on the disabled list after right-knee surgery.

Tolleson is a close friend of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. They played summer baseball together as teenagers in Texas and each was in the other's wedding.

"I'm glad he's gotten this opportunity," Kershaw said. "He had a rough first outing there, but it just comes with the territory. Hopefully he gets another chance to get back out there and show what he's got."